Photo Credit: Shervin Lainez

After dropping 2021’s Open Door Policy, The Hold Steady have announced their follow-up, The Price of Progress, a new 10-track album, due out on March 31. As a preview of what’s to come, the ensemble also shared a song off the forthcoming release, “Sideways Skull,” listen now. 

The upcoming album was recorded with Bonny Light Horseman bandleader and frequent Taylor Swift collaborator Josh Kaufman, who also had a hand in producing their previous album. 2023 will also mark the band’s 20th anniversary, which will now coincide with the release of their ninth studio LP.

Bandleader Craig Finn, who dropped his solo album A Legacy of Rentals in 2022, offered via press release: “‘Sideway Skull’ is a rocking song about rock and rollers. In this case, they’ve been taken out of the game for a bit of rest but still keep their dreams alive as they discuss past glories.”

Finn continued, “We loved the big sound of this when Tad Kubler brought it into the band, and the studio performance of it felt especially joyful. We’re happy to put this forth as a first look at The Price of Progress, and the album’s title even comes from this song. 

Of note, “Sideway Skull” has been a part of the group’s live shows for the past year and was previously known as “Bloodbath.” Recently, The Hold Steady performed the track at two of their 2022 Massive Night gigs at New York’s Brooklyn Bowl. 

In addition to new music, the band also reminded fans that they plan to celebrate their impending release with a series of live performances slated to take place sporadically throughout the year. View tour dates now. 

Listen to The Hold Steady’s “Sideway Skull” below. Pre-order the new LP, here.

 The Price of Progress Tracking List: 

1. Grand Junction
2. Sideways Skull
3. Carlos Is Crying 
4. Understudies 
5. Sixers
6. The Bird Watcher
7. City At Eleven 
8. Perdido 
9. Distortions of Faith 
10. Flyover Halftime